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In Jackson Hole, quiet luxury meets wide open wilderness
Jackson Hole’s summer demand is fueled by wilderness access, a rebuilt luxury hotel and a growing food and culture scene, officials said.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming leads the nation in short-term rental bookings this summer, with 45.5% of inventory already reserved as of March 28, 2026. June alone has nearly 60% of capacity locked up, a 20% increase over last year.
Teton County's permanent population of around 23,000 nearly triples during peak summer months when vacationers, part-time residents and commuting workers arrive. Last year, tourism generated $1.74 billion, demonstrating the region's substantial economic reliance on seasonal visitors.
About 97% of the surrounding area is publicly owned as national parks, national forests and wildlife refuges, constraining valley expansion. Vacant housing units have climbed from around 1,200 in 2018 to 2,000 just two years ago as the workforce scrambles for affordable options.
The Jackson Hole Travel and Tourism Board recently launched a public dashboard tracking occupancy, population swings and resource use. Permanent residents largely agree tourism matters economically, though most workers commute nearly an hour from Victor, Idaho, unable to afford housing in town.
September represents the sweet spot when crowds thin and light turns golden, while Jackson Hole remains compact enough to walk in 20 minutes yet offers enough depth to fill several days. The town rewards visitors who slow down to discover its balance of wilderness and refinement.